The Fun Factor 04.30.07: An Arcade Revolution, Part 1
Posted by Cory Moore on 04.30.2007
The arcade was once one of the most unpredictable, exciting entities in the gaming world. Today, it’s just a shell of its former self. So, can it be turned around? Judging by the history of arcades, the answer is a resounding ‘yes.’ So, here are a few ideas to get things turned around…
In the past few weeks, I've been reflecting a lot on classic arcade games. I won't lie; the arcades have a special place in my heart. As a kid of the ‘90s, that's what I grew up with. I used to spend hours at the place up the road, feeding the machines quarters with my neighbors until we beat the game or our parents got tired of watching us. The latter happened more frequently, by the way.
Unfortunately, the arcade has all but died. You still see them in the malls and movie theatres, but they're nowhere near the monster they used to be. You'll be lucky to find a place with 10 machines nowadays. Even though rounds of DDR never get old, I look around at the small spaces and think, "Man, what happened?"
I've said before that I'm a big proponent to online gaming because it promotes community in gaming. But it will never, ever replace the magic that the arcades were/are able to produce. Face-to-face teamwork and competition is a unique, exciting x-factor to these places, and that's why I think developers should seriously consider breathing new life into arcades. With all the new technology we have today, it could really be something special. It's been done before, so who says it can't happen again?
Just a disclaimer, the following two-part scenario will likely not happen. Unfortunately, the reality is that developers are too busy with consoles to dedicate ample time to arcades again. But hey, I can dream. Won't you join me?
An Arcade Revolution Part 1: The Anchors
In order to revolutionize the arcade for a new generation, you have to have familiar concepts to bring back the people from back in the day. After all, some of the arcade's best kept secrets were part of what made the places unique in the first place, yet floundered once they jumped ship for the home market. Some genres never quite caught on, others lost their direction, and others' unique feel was lost in translation altogether. But they all made these gaming centers exciting places to experience, for different reasons. So let's take a look at what made the arcade shine in the past and could jumpstart the future…
The scrolling fighting game, commonly known as the ‘beat'em-up,' was all the rage in the early ‘90s arcades. Platforming games pretty much replaced them on the SNES and the Genesis and only a few have been seen since. I'm guessing it was because consoles could only hold 2 simultaneous players, while arcades allowed 4 people to jump in on the action. Some of the best games – like the Simpsons and X-Men – were never ported to home consoles. Times have changed, but I think the infectious gameplay of beat'em-ups could be an anchor to the arcade revolution…
Some franchises to consider… TMNT – The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were a big hit in the arcade, spawning 2 coin-op titles for youngsters of the day. With this year's 2007 sequel breathing new life into the franchise, the franchise could reinvent itself for a new-age arcade. Take the old style of play, update the graphics, and you'd have lines backing out the door.
X-Men – Even though the X-Men did get an arcade game, it came too early to capitalize on the FOX animated series, nor did it have the benefit of using some of the comic's popular story arcs of the mid-‘90s (Onslaught, anyone)? The comic book industry isn't exactly thriving anymore, but the X-Men movies routinely attract big bucks for theatres. I'd say adapt Wolverine, Cyclops, Bobby Drake, Rogue and a few others in their motion picture form and you'd have something to talk about.
Fantastic Four – One of the underappreciated franchises in the Marvel universe, the FF never got their due in the arcades. With the "Rise of the Silver Surfer" movie coming out this summer, it's a perfect time to adapt a new franchise to an old formula. I, for one, would love to play as a smart-aleck Johnny Storm voiced by Chris Evans.
Ever since fighting franchises abandoned the arcades, they just haven't been the same. Online play is great, but there's just no replacing the long lines in order to play that one cocky guy that is slapping everyone silly with Ryu in Street Fighter. Fighting games were a big part of arcades' success, and if given the chance, I think they could easily help the arcade reemerge as a force in the video game industry once again.
Some titles to consider… Mortal Kombat - In a recent interview, MK creator Ed Boon said Midway is getting ‘serious' with the next Mortal Kombat title. In other words, he's focusing really hard to get the franchise back on its feet. The MK games that originated in the arcades were the most solid of the franchise, so why not bring the franchise to its original home? Revert the games back to 2-D and throw in some tag team action, ala Marvel vs. Capcom, and I think you've got a winning combo.
Street Fighter and Tekken - These series haven't lost their way, per say, as Mortal Kombat has, but they could still play a part in bringing back the arcade to full force. These were two of the best fighting games back in the day and they made their names in the arcade. So what's saying they couldn't replicate that same success now?
There's nothing quite like getting behind the wheel of a car and hitting the gas, never letting up to brake. No, I'm not talking about the freeway, as crazy as it is. I'm talking about good ol' racing coin-ops. Consoles have made tremendous strides with titles like Gran Turismo, but these realistic titles have a tendency to attract a special niche: the car-obsessed guy who dreams to work on engines by day and street races by night. Arcade games were usually much simpler, but still gave you the feeling like you were actually in the action…
Some titles to consider… Hydro Thunder 2.0 - Hydro Thunder is still the bread and butter of many arcades that are left today. Its unorthodox approach with the subwoofers in the seats and a throttle replacing pedals makes you feel like you're actually piloting a hovercraft. I'm not sure how they could beef it up anymore, but I'd be satisfied with new levels and boats.
Cruis'n – Cruis'n USA and World were two of the better arcade releases in the mid-‘90s, and some of the first to employ strategy through stunts rather than pure racing. They may not be as polished as GT or Sega Rally, but their controls were tight and they were a lot of fun. If the revived the series, it could do wonders for attracting the casual racing fan back to the arcade.
Game Over
So there are just a few ideas of genres that could bring back the masses to the arcades. Next week I will finish up my Arcade Revolution concept with some new, wacky ideas to spice up the gaming centers for a new generation. If you guys have anything to add to this week's column or some ideas of what you think could be innovative concepts, be sure to shoot me an email and I'd be glad to include them in next week's column. That about wraps up this week's edition of the Fun Factor. Until next time, stay cool!
